Maui Humane Society is conducting its BOOSTER vaccination clinic August 13th, 9am-12pm for all rabbit owners who received their first dose of the RHDV2 vaccine on July 23rd. We HIGHLY ADVISE all rabbit owners take advantage of the free clinic by booking an appointment below to ensure their rabbit(s) are vaccinated and safe. If you know someone who is a rabbit owner, please share this information with them!
On June 17, Hawai’i’s first case of rabbit disease was confirmed on a Maui farm. Hawai’i’s first case of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, type 2 (RHDV2) was confirmed on a Maui farm on June 17. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture confirmed RHDV2 in a 4- to 5-year-old neutered male rabbit on a farm in Kula.
RHDV2 is highly contagious and can spread via direct contact on fomites (objects or materials which are likely to carry infection, such as clothes, utensils, and furniture) or insects. The virus can survive for a long time in the environment (from months to a year). Unfortunately, there is a high mortality rate (80-100%) of rabbits die of internal bleeding and liver disease.
We understand this sounds scary, but the free, two series vaccination will PROTECT YOUR RABBIT! The first series was distributed on July 23rd to the public and Aug 6th for MHS adopters; the second series will be distributed on August 13 (for July 23rd appts) and Aug 27 (for Aug 6 appts).
PLEASE COME PREPARED!
Coming prepared to the appointment will make it efficient and quick! Please:
- Make sure your rabbit(s) are in a secure carrier
- Label the carrier with your rabbit(s) names (tape works great!)
- Please fill out and print the two forms:
BOOK YOUR FREE VACCINATION AND/OR ADOPT A VACCINATED RABBIT!
Book Your Appointment for the FREE Rabbit Vaccination Clinic on AUG 6 at Maui Humane Society!
Interested in adopting a spayed/neutered, vaccinated rabbit? We’ve found someBUNNY to love you! Check out our adoptable guinea pigs and rabbits!
Will I contract RHDV2?
No! RHDV2 cannot be contracted by humans, but they can spread it to rabbits.
How Do I Know If My Rabbit has RHDV2?
The clinical signs of RHDV2 are as follows:
- Nonspecific: lethargy, fever, appetite loss, neurological (ataxia, seizures), respiratory signs
- Jaundice (Yellowing of whites of the eyes or skin inside ears)
- Hemorrhage from eyes/nose/mouth/genitals/rectum, bruising
- Sudden death
- Any rabbits showing clinical signs should remain in their kennel if housed alone, or isolated from other animals if housed in a group
Unfortunately, there is a high mortality rate (80-100%) of rabbits die of internal bleeding and liver disease.
What Should I Do if I have Rabbits?
Book an appointment for all your rabbits on July 23rd! If you have recently introduced a new rabbit to your home, we recommend the rabbits be housed separately. As of July 1, all of the eligible rabbits in our care have received the first dose of the vaccination.
My rabbit is showing symptoms. What should I do?
If your rabbit is showing possible symptoms, call your vet immediately for further instructions.
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